7.4 Ensure directory in context.xml is a secure location (Manual)
Description
The directory attribute tells Tomcat where to store logs. It is recommended that the location referenced by the directory attribute be secured.
Rationale
Securing the log location will help ensure the integrity and confidentiality of web application activity.
Audit Procedure
Review the permissions of the directory specified by the directory attribute to ensure the permissions are o-rwx and owned by tomcat_admin:tomcat:
# grep directory context.xml
# ls -ld <log_location>
Remediation
Perform the following:
- Add the following statement into the
$CATALINA_BASE/webapps/<app_name>/META-INF/context.xmlfile if it does not already exist.
<Valve className="org.apache.catalina.valves.AccessLogValve"
directory="$CATALINA_HOME/logs/"
prefix="access_log" fileDateFormat="yyyy-MM-dd.HH" suffix=".log"
pattern="%h %t %H cookie:%{SESSIONID}c request:%{SESSIONID}r %m %U %s
%q %r"
/>
- Set the location pointed to by the
directoryattribute to be owned bytomcat_admin:tomcatwith permissions ofo-rwx.
# chown tomcat_admin:tomcat $CATALINA_HOME/logs
# chmod o-rwx $CATALINA_HOME/logs
Default Value
Does not exist by default
CIS Controls
| Controls Version | Control | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| v8 | 3.3 Configure Data Access Control ListsConfigure data access control lists based on a user's need to know. Apply data access control lists, also known as access permissions, to local and remote file systems, databases, and applications. | ● | ● | ● |
| v7 | 14.6 Protect Information through Access Control ListsProtect all information stored on systems with file system, network share, claims, application, or database specific access control lists. These controls will enforce the principle that only authorized individuals should have access to the information based on their need to access the information as a part of their responsibilities. | ● | ● | ● |
Profile
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